Overview & Reviews

Kia Motors is a South Korean automaker that's relatively new to the United States. In its early years, Kia largely catered to budget-minded consumers with well-equipped vehicles priced below competing models. More recently, this growing brand has kept value a priority while also emphasizing technology and sportiness.

Founded in Korea in 1944, Kia started as a producer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The company's name has its roots in the Chinese language, and means "to arise, to come up out of Asia." By the early 1950s, the company had produced Korea's first bicycle; by the latter part of the decade, Kia had branched out into motor scooters, with the rollout of the C100.

The 1960s saw Kia expanding its lineup to include motorcycles and three-wheeled cargo vehicles. Naturally, the next logical step was automobile production, and the company began moving in this direction in the early 1970s. By 1973, Kia had built a facility designed to make its automotive dreams a reality; its Sohari plant held the distinction of being Korea's first fully integrated automobile production facility, and went on to spawn Korea's first internal-combustion gasoline engine. A year later, Kia unveiled the Brisa, Korea's first passenger car. By the end of the decade, Kia's technology was being used to manufacture vehicles like the Peugeot 604 and the Fiat 132.

By the late '80s, Kia's lineup included new models like the Concord, Capital, Potentia and Pride. In 1987, Ford brought the Pride to U.S. shores, rebadging it as the Ford Festiva. Seven years later, Ford dealers got a replacement for the entry-level, subcompact Festiva in the form of another Kia constructed product, the Aspire.

Kia finally began selling vehicles in the U.S. under its own name in the early '90s, trumpeting its presence with the introduction of the compact Sephia. The car's rollout was gradual; in the early days of its production, the Sephia was only available in select Western states. By the mid-'90s, SUVs had emerged as a phenomenally popular and profitable vehicle segment. Kia responded with the 1995 Sportage, a compact SUV. By the end of the '90s, Kia's nationwide rollout was nearly complete.

Financial difficulties in the late '90s prevented Kia from expanding its lineup beyond those two models. Hyundai, South Korea's other major automaker, acquired the company in a merger in 1998.

Kia has been on a major upswing since its purchase by Hyundai, with improvements in build quality, performance and overall refinement. Reliability, previously a weak point, has also improved markedly and consumers' confidence was further bolstered by Kia's substantial warranty program. Today, Kia is on a dramatic upswing and offers a broad lineup of well-built coupes, sedans and crossovers that stand out for their value, performance and sporty styling.

User Reviews:

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  Best on the market - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Ed Lipinsky, Sr - July 7 - 11:13 am

  Ive owned a van before but sold it because of the miles on it and things started go wrong with it. Bought an SUV. Missed the van and decided to get another one. I looked at other manufacturers and someone at work told me about the Sedona. He told me to go and see one because he loves his. I did go to see one and brought it on the spot; they had to locate it. Best van for the money & no one can match the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. I love to drive it. Its like driving in your living room recliner. It beats all the others for ride, comfort,and style. I have all the bells & whistles. I would recommend this van to any one looking to buy one, even if you never dreamed of owning a van, like I did.

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  Traded in Expedition - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Jay Gillette - July 6 - 8:00 am

  I traded in a Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with all the toys so please keep this in mind when I compare to my new Sorento EX with leather, sunroof, 6 cd, etc. Gas: The Expedition was getting an average of about 16-17 mpg. Thus far the Kia is getting 21-22 mpg for the same daily route taken to home/work. Space: It is lacking with comparison to the Expedition however is very consistent with a mid size SUV. They could have added about 4-6 inches in length to the cargo area to better round out the car, (I think the test should be to fit an average baby stroller in straight with having to put it sideways.) The front has plenty of room for me and I am above average in size, same for the passenger.

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  My Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By EricP - July 5 - 3:43 pm

  I just purchased a new 2010 Kia Soul and was used to driving a 2001 BMW X5. I am totally amazed at the performance and fully loaded system the ! (Exclaim) model offers! I love my 18" stylish wheels and low profile tires, mood lighting speakers, and overall look. I never suspected my little gal would get so many neck breaking looks!!! I selected Titanium for the color and totally love it! I never thought I would own a Kia, but when GM and Ford wouldnt deal with me on trade in, I took Head Motor Company up on their offer of giving more for a trade in, no hype there, totally amazing facts!!!

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  So Far, So Good - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jim - July 5 - 1:10 pm

  This car has been a pleasant surprise. I had to trade in my wifes Eddie Bauer Explorer to save money while I went back to school. Settled on the EX- V6 since we had gotten used to all the features on the EB. It has not let me down other than a few quirky issues mentioned below, the car has been a real pleasure to drive with great power, comfort and initial quality. Anyone looking for value should give this car consideration. I got mine with all the goodies for less than 17K. However, keep in mind the resale stinks so it is a real committment. If I can put 150-200K miles on the car with minimal service I will be exstatic. So far, it looks very promising.

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  Not for long trips - 2001 Kia Rio
  By JPender - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Kia Rio over the last year. It appears to be well made and even if it is not, the warranty covers it! My biggest concern is that the seats are incredibly stiff. Kia took the time to put an arm rest (wonderful!!!) and multiple seat adjustments, but skimped out on the cushion. Cruise control would have been a nice option. Another problem is the lack of mechanics willing to work on them. The dealer is too high. (as all are) I will probably not buy another one because of the seats and lack of mechanics. But overall I am happy.

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  A lot of fun for the value - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Iceman - July 5 - 6:33 am

  I have had my Spectra5 for 8 months now and have found it to be a "steal". It is fun to drive and has a lot of value. I did research similar vehicles when I purchased it, but for the warranty and price, I could not turn it down. It has a lot of "Pep" and as pretty quiet at highway speeds.

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  Trouble Already! - 2014 Kia Sportage
  By Brian - July 3 - 3:55 am

  This SUV is a rough riding uncomfortable car, but that is only after we can get it started. With less than 14,000 miles on it we have had it towed back to the dealer twice because it left us flat without starting. So far not very reliable. I also do not like getting in or out of the car. I hit my head a lot. Only being 5.7" tall, this not something Im a custome to. In addition the car is loud and forget about opening windows or sun roof. The strangest whistles, howls, and hums we ever heard. So far easily, without question, the worst new car we ever owned. Compared to the comfort and reliability of the 96 VW Jetta, 04 Saturn Vue, and 03 Dodge Van which we bought all new, and that all went 100,000 miles each without need for a tow truck. I would buy each one of those vehicles again but I have no interest in even getting back into our 2014 Kia Sportage ever again, let alone ever buying it again. Sorry Kia, looks arent everything. You gotta do better than this.

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  Great bargain - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Luis - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I never was considering buying a Kia but saw an ad with the borregos listed at a great price. I did some research on the borrego on the Internet and it got great reviews. I test drove it and was amazed at the vehicle. I have the 6 cly. It has great power and rides smooth. Turning radius is great. I have a Volvo xc90 and cars are similar except I paid almost $20,000 more for the Volvo. The Volvo has better leather and insulation for wind noise. Other than that I think the borrego is a great car for the price. Gas mileage could be better but its a good size SUV. My Volvo gets a little better gas mileage but needs premium gas. Overall the borrego is a decent car for the price I paid.

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  My 2011 Kia Sorento EXV6 AWD vehicle - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By judy cadorette - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I am really enjoying my new Kia, I love driving it and love the looks of it.The rear camera is a wonderful feature to have and I also enjoy the bluetooth, and we all enjoy the double moonroofs! We went out for dinner the other night and all 7 of us went in my car!(smaller people need to sit in the 3rd row seating)My husband enjoys driving it so much,he is thinking of getting one also! I would definitely recommend this car. Judy Cadorette

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  Luvn my KIA - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By patpittsd - July 2 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my KIA Sorento on Jul 26, 2011. I was not to sure about it at first, but now I love my KIA. I love the fact that now all the kids get to rid. The third row setting really sold me. I get better gas milage with my Sorento than I do in my Acura...didnt think that would be possible. I average 40.00 a week in gas, and thats in stop and go traffic...20.00 dollars more when we take the car...all and all I am happy with "MY KIA..."